Take Five

If it’s Tuesday, it’s Take Five day, where we get to know a Member of Congress better through five fun questions. This week, Rep. James Langevin (D-R.I.) talks about his admiration for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his days as a Boy Scout.

Q: If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?
A: I would want to meet FDR. He’s one of my great heroes and led the nation in one of the most challenging times in U.S. history. And I would like to go and have a conversation with him [and] ask him many questions [about] what gave him his courage and determination during challenging times.

Q: Hard-copy books or electronic books?
A: I generally prefer hard-copy books, but I am a true techie, and I enjoy all things electronic as well. But given the choice, I tend to prefer the hard-copy book.

Q: How many wins for the Red Sox this season?
A: As many as it will take to get into the World Series. I tend be more of a football person — 160 games is a little too much for me to want to follow — and so I generally don’t pay attention until the playoffs, although I do go to several games during the year and I really enjoy it while I’m there to watch the games. But football is my game.

Q: What was your favorite comic book growing up?
A: Superman.

Q: You were once a Boy Scout. What did you enjoy most about that experience?
A: I like the character building that scouting instills in people. Just the idea that if you do the right thing, [then you can] get more accomplished. … [I like] the structure to it and encouraging Scouts to set their standards high and set goals for yourself and try to achieve them.